Delathought provides a number of the puzzle pieces in this post, and an anon poster fits them into place.

"... it strikes me that Castle's non-moderate budget and tax votes are very likely the result of a deal - i.e, the price he has to pay for being granted permission to (ineffectually) take moderate positions on other issues less important to GOP leadership.

GOP leadership is highly motivated to play along with Castle's occasional "moderate" votes, because that's how Castle keeps his seat in a blue state. Without the occasional covering "moderate" vote, Castle's seat would surely be filled by a Democrat.

My only beef with Castle is that he is a Republican, and therefore contributes to the GOP majority. If Republicans were safely a minority in the House, I would vote for Castle in a heartbeat. But as jason says, Castle is a cog in a Republican machine, and on that basis alone I have to vote against him.

I think Castle is exactly what he appears to be - he is a socially liberal but loyal Republican. I believe his moderate positions are 100% principled, and not just pandering to his Delaware constituents. On the other hand, I believe his budget and tax votes come more from his "loyal Republican" side and less from his principled side. I doubt Mike Castle truly believes in cutting taxes for the rich or cutting programs for the poor. But as long as he votes that way, I have to hold him accountable.

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